Product Description

Celebrate the auspicious Year of the Tiger with this large yet affordable one ounce, pure silver dollar, brilliantly enhanced with full color! This large, impressive coin represents a tremendous value, struck in pure silver! The Perth Mint's Lunar Zodiac Series II coins are huge! At more than 45 mm in diameter, they are nearly 2 inches across! This beauty is made all the more desirable by the Mint's execution of this intriguing animal motif in pure silver, artistically rendered in brilliant, vibrant hues! The full color design is highlighted on frosted, matte fields (or background), further enhancing an already handsome design (which is even nicer looking than the mint-supplied images suggest). Between the large size, the low mintage (only 3,800 in the mint's presentation packaging) & the beauty of the design, color and finish, we think you'll be impressed with this affordable, pure silver dollar!

The Year of the Tiger - Most Auspicious!Centuries ago, the Chinese invented a calendar based on the lunar (rather than the solar) cycle. There are twelve animals in the Chinese lunar zodiac, each corresponding in sequence to a year rather than a month.

In 2010 we celebrate the Year of the Tiger. According to tradition, people born during a Year of the Tiger (1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, and 2010) are said to exhibit that animals attributes. They are charismatic and fearsome, generous but unpredictable. They are often noted for their enthusiasm in life, and are unafraid of exploring new territory. They can also be aggressive, especially when they perceive a threat or are cornered.

Observing the fearsome carnivore that is the tiger, whether in nature or in a zoological park, we mere humans can't help but be awestruck by the size, strength, and elegance of this majestic creature. The tiger (Panthera tigris) is easily one of the most intriguing, most beautiful, and most endangered great animals in the world. It is also one of the two most auspicious animals on the Chinese lunar calendar (the other being the Dragon).

Click here for more coins featuring tigers!Technology NoteThe Perth Mint of Australia employs its own proprietary colorization technology, in which the color is actually sealed on the coin. The vibrant hues and precise execution of the technology create a stunning, full-color portrait on each coin.

Obverse A splendid tiger reclines serenely in a field of grass, its massive paws and long tail for the moment relaxed. The legend YEAR OF THE TIGER defines the theme. The Chinese character for "Tiger" is to the left, while the Perth Mint's "P" mint mark is judiciously placed to the right, near the 2:00 position along the rim.

Click here for other beautiful silver dollars!Reverse The reverse features Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of England, in crowned profile facing right. This portrait, featuring Her Majesty wearing a tiara and pearl earrings, was executed by the sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley. The legend 1 OZ 999 SILVER guarantees the weight and purity. The legend ELIZABETH II and the denomination also appear.

Packaging The coin is encapsulated inside an elegant, red and black presentation case lined with black velvet & satin and protected by a full color outer box. An individually-numbered certificate of authenticity is included.